Gray raves about Campbell’s work ethic, technique

One of the most commonly used words in referencing cornerback Tommie Campbell last season was “raw.” A seventh-round pick out of little-known California University of Pennsylvania, Campbell was drafted primarily because of his tremendous athletic skills and possible upside.

But Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said Thursday that Campbell appears to be making good strides towards refining those skills early in the offseason. That should be good news for a team still looking to replace Cortland Finnegan, who signed with St. Louis.

“He’s probably one of the best technique corners we’ve got besides (Jason McCourty),” Gray said of Campbell. “I’m telling you, he’s doing a really great job. You should see his technique in individual. Now he’s not going against a wide receiver (currently), and he’s not judging the ball and those things. So you really can’t see that. But just as a pure technique corner, he’s probably the second-best we’ve got.”

Gray praised the work habits of Campbell, a 6-3, 205-pounder who ran the 40 in the low 4.3s in college.

“I’m telling you he’s doing a really good job and he’s devoted a lot of time here,” Gray said. “He’s here in the afternoons when the other guys are gone. He’s watching film, and this guy didn’t even play a snap last year on defense. So it’s important to him. This guy wants a job here.”

McCourty and Alterraun Verner are the presumed starters at corner, and the team may well add another veteran. But it’s clear Campbell wants his name in the mix as well.

“(Campbell) knows that … we lost a really good corner,” Gray said. “You know what? The spot’s open. (Verner) is in front of (Campbell), but you know he’s going to push him. “That’s what you’re looking for. In order to get to where we want to go, we need guys pushing the starters. And if the starter’s not getting it done, get the other guy in there. He’s going to outwork him and we’ll still probably win.”